OMG! Caro behind 7 points after the SP in her own country with such a shallow field. What are the chances of Kostner not advancing to the Olympics? I am so worried about her, but will her federation forgive her string of flawed performances and the fact that she cost them a 2nd Olympic spot by doing so poorly at Worlds? I will be so sad if Caro is not in Vancouver!

OMG! Caro behind 7 points after the SP in her own country with such a shallow field. What are the chances of Kostner not advancing to the Olympics? I am so worried about her, but will her federation forgive her string of flawed performances and the fact that she cost them a 2nd Olympic spot by doing so poorly at Worlds? I will be so sad if Caro is not in Vancouver!

They can both go to Europeans and the Italian federation can hold off on deciding before then. But if Valentina beats Carolina there too, it will be the fifth strike against the latter starting with Worlds last year, and Valentina will have earned her spot in Vancouver twice over.

In the two match-ups this season between Kostner & Marchei, Carolina won Merano Cup while Valentina finished 3rd and Carolina just finished 2nd to Valentina's 1st at Italian Nationals, so right now it's 1-1. I think the fact that Valentina hasn't had any experience on the international scene in the GP since 2007-2008 will work in Carolina's favor. Also, Caro has 2 World medals while Val has none. CK has a much greater shot at a medal in Vancouver than VM. I think it's only fair that Valentina must prove her worth to the Italian federation on a big international stage like Europeans if she is to unseat Carolina as Italy's lone and leading lady for the Olympic Games.